Peer Visitor Support for Family Caregivers of Seniors with Stroke

The objectives of this nationally funded intervention study were to: (1) implement a home visiting support program for family caregivers of seniors with a recent stroke using experienced peers; (2) monitor, describe, and evaluate the support intervention process; and (3) measure the impact of the peer support intervention on caregivers' perceptions of their social support, burden, stress, and competence and the use of health-care services by stroke survivors. This paper focuses on the first two objectives. Twenty family caregivers were visited initially by a health professional (nurse, occupational therapist) for assessment, and thereafter twice weekly for 12 weeks by a peer (experienced family caregiver). Transcripts of audiotaped post-intervention and delayed post-intervention (3 and 6 months) interviews with participants and the diaries/logs of professionals and peers were subjected to content analysis. Peer visitors offered emotional, informational, and affirmational support to family caregivers. Family caregivers reported that the intervention met their support needs, lessened some of their caregiving demands, and enhanced their confidence and ability to cope.